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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

** Thereviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free **

If you happen to be in the market for a reasonably priced laptop with a totally sleek and super cool design, the new AMD FX APU HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop may be your prime choice! At first glance, the HP Envy may just seem like a typical laptop and at $629.99, it fits into almost every budget. But, like our parents taught us, "Never judge a book by it's cover" (Although, in this case, the cover is exceptionally nice!)

I don't know where to start here, so, I'll start with the first thing that really pops! The 15.6" touch screen. It's the perfect laptop screen size for me! I love that it's big enough to multitask and have lots of room for bloggers, busy moms, busy dads and even online shopping. I am notorious for having several tabs open at once, whether I'm blogging, checking emails, shopping or checking prices at several websites, researching, paying bills or checking my balances on rewards points sites so I can turn them in for more gift cards so I can shop some more! (Actually, I need a 15.6" screen just to have ample room for updating social networks.)

The next nifty feature, which makes this laptop, so far, the best multitasking laptop around! 6GB of system memory, more than enough for even the busiest of them all, to get everything done all at once and maybe have some time to get stuck on Youtube for a bit. ( I can't be the only one who starts looking for a video from my favorite band and then gets lost in the "suggested videos" and ends up watching a documentary on how the world would be without zinc, right?) Well, if you get lost in the interwebs and need lots of memory, the HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop, may be for you!

So far, so good, right? It's probably becoming the most fascinating busy mom (yes, or dads and I can't forget the grandparents!) laptop around? I would vote, YES! Oh, did I mention the energy efficient LED backlight yet? Or the 750GB hard drive which means, you guessed it! Lots and lots of storage space for music, movies and pictures! (A serious must have for any hardcore multitasker!)

Lets discuss music and movies for a second. You most certainly can not have a laptop without built in dual speakers and a subwoofer! Beats Audio guarantees you will have one of the most incredible sound, the richest, smoothest sound. Throw in some of the deepest bass and you just found yourself being the envy of all of your friends! (Wait a minute!! I think I just figured out why this gem is called, Envy!)

Why else would you need all of these things and more? (Yes, there is a LOT more!)... GAMING!
Unbelievable right? But you better believe it. Yes, this laptop is handy for the gamer in all of us. Even your teens, preteens and younger kids will love what the new AMD FX APU HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop has in store for the ultimate gaming experience.

I bet you are imagining yourself getting all of your work done and taking care of your gaming fix right now.......

This laptop has the AMD FX Special Edition APU, award winning AMD Radeon R7 graphics, the processing power of 10 computer cores (4 CPU + 6 CPU), Dragon voice assistant capability, 2 USB 2.0 ports AND 2 USB 3.0 ports! All of this and more to bring you the most ultimate gaming, it will definitely be had to walk away. Smooth gameplay, wicked processing and a fascinating entertainment experience.

Ok, we're almost done here but, just a few more things we have to discuss. It has been really hard for me to research and investigate this laptop and try to explain to you why this is quite possibly, one of the best items to come out of 2015.

These are just some extras that I believe come in handy. The new AMD FX APU HP Envy Touchsmart Laptop only weighs 6.1 lbs and measures 1.2" thin. Your new entertainment/gaming toy will come with the Windows 8.1 operating system, an HDMI connection, a multimedia software collection and a built in HP TrueVision HD webcam with dual array digital microphone.

Where is the best place to snag this beauty? Best Buy, of course!
Along with the sweet price of just $629.99, you can get free shipping with a $35 purchase! Or free in store pick up! (Your order will be ready in 45 minutes!)

Sunday, April 26, 2015

** I received free products and coupons thanks to the Mom's Meet Blogger program and Veri Soda. All statements and opinions are my own. **

One thing you won't usually find in my house, is soda. I'm not a big soda drinker and I try to keep it from my kids as much as possible. We do have a lot of family gatherings, picnics, birthday parties, even PPV boxing parties. So, you might find a 12 pack or a case of regular soda for guests and our son will have a couple and be ecstatically happy because, he loves soda. Another reason we won't have soda in our house so often.... he will drink it all if it's here!

Deegan can't understand why his big brother is acting so ecstatically happy right now! But, Aaron read his fortune and said it reads, "You will be able to drink more soda now." Lol!

I was lucky enough to have this opportunity to try Veri Soda and we had 4 packs of all of their flavors, delivered to the house! Along with coupons good for free 4 packs! Naturally, soda in the house means, party! So, that's what we did :)

Here is our oldest son, going crazy because he is allowed to have soda lol!

We are fortunate enough to have sleepovers, craft parties, all kinds of fun kid parties and our 2 middle children just love having friends over! Of course, when there are a bunch of kids running through the house, they have to eat and drink something, right? I usually try to go all out and do a theme for each sleepover and have a snack buffet or a DIY pizza and salad party, whatever the kids think of, we try to make it possible.

I am an organic/all natural mom for the most part, there are exceptions at times but we are keen on organic, healthy snacks and goodies. I have found over the years that almost every guest we have over is totally floored by how delicious and scrumptious all natural can be and I am always asked, "Where did you find this?".
The organic soda was a huge hit and something needed because, I really don't like having to keep things from my kids that I know they enjoy and do deserve. I am just not satisfied with what is in regular or diet mainstream sodas.

I understand that water, juice and smoothies can get to be boring and it is nice to have a treat once in awhile. Which is why I was so happy to be able to allow my kids the opportunity to try Veri Soda and we can keep this in the house more often then regular sodas that I have to ration and feel guilty for denying my kids, in a way.
Veri Soda has only good ingredients, it's also organic and non GMO and only 60 calories per serving! I don't think we even have a specific favorite, although, I believe Lemon Lime went first! Orange is quite scrumptious! Veri also has cola and ginger ale. We happen to love them all!

The bartender in me, (yes, I have been a bartender for 20+ years. Unfortunately, I recently had to give this job up for now, due to new injuries and worsening of my disorders/illnesses.) BUT, I love that Veri makes organic soda an option for patrons. (Stay tuned for recipes and photos to be added ;) :)

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet Blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Monday, April 13, 2015

** We received a product in return for sharing and promoting The Beatrix Girls giveaway. **

If your daughters aren't already going crazy over The Beatrix Girls, a very cute and uber cool, all girl band who have their own Youtube channel and even their own album, "Meet The Beatrix"
The band consists of: Lark, Ainsley, Brayden and Chantal. Each with their own personalities and style.

My youngest daughter, Genevive just thinks they are so awesome and "way better than regular dolls that don't do anything" Lol! She loves, Brayden the most because she looks more like her.
The Beatrix Girls were a part of Blogger Bash last summer, in New York City and sent a sampler CD and a cute light up necklace for Genevive and she still listens to that CD. (Almost as much as One Direction!)

Onto the details about the fabulous Beatrix Girls London Tour Tea Time Giveaway!
The Beatrix Girls absolutely love British fashion, music and of course, tea time! So, they thought it would be the perfect idea for another kick off to their London Tour and a super idea for their fans, would be to giveaway the essentials needed for the best Tea Time party a little girl, (or very cool chic), could ever dream of!

I know my youngest just loves parties and sleepovers and she especially enjoys throwing them! The prettier the better and the winner of The Beatrix Girls London Tour Tea Time Giveaway will have all they need to throw the bestest tea time party around. (and one that everybody will be talking about for a long time!)

To enter, just click here and vote for your favorite Beatrix Girl. (I know it's hard but any one will do!)
This giveaway runs through May 1st so be sure to share with your friends so they can vote and enter too!

In the meantime, while you wait to see who wins the Tea Time Giveaway, check out all of the adorable Beatrix Girls and accessories at stores like, Walmart, Amazon, Kohls, ToysRUs, Fingerhut and Burlington.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

We recently had one of the most fun craft nights ever, so much that I had no choice but to order these make at home kits, 2 more times since! Well, we did use a couple for a birthday gift and I am still hearing about how much fun they had with their family craft night!

I love giving craft kits, messy art supplies, for gifts. Anything that requires the whole family to sit down and spend time together. The messier, the better! It usually ends up being one of the favorite gifts and I started adding information for parents so they know where to purchase more. (If I don't, I'll start getting attacked via text message, email and in my Facebook inbox.)

Not only do craft nights promote quality time together, no need for screens, minimal technology, if any, learning to follow instructions, yes, there is also reading involved! But, craft nights always seem to give a boost of confidence. I don't know what could be better then giant smiles, hugs, squeals and your little one's shiny, happy faces when they realize that they just learned something new and they are so proud that they just created something from a few ingredients or supplies. It has to be one of the best feelings in the world!

Ok, so, we attempt to make our own everything, (almost everything), at least once. Anything from lotions to lip balms to cheese to now, gummies, chocolates and bubble gum.

I came across these kits after a Twitter party, with a few sponsors who create healthy snacks, candies, sweets, basically, everything kids love. and now we can love giving to them, since they are organic, all natural and free of dyes and all of the other icky stuff we don't want going in our bodies, especially not in our children's bodies!

We have been using Glee Gum at our house for a few years now. Glee Gum is aspartame free and Fair Trade! (Fair Trade is another certification I look for when deciding on purchases and products for our house.) I always check the Fair Trade website for any possible matches for cooking, baking, food, beverage and snack options.

Glee Gum comes in a variety of flavors and at a very reasonable price. We usually opt for a canister of the "Assorted Flavor Medley" but you can always purchase a canister of your favorite flavor! They have classic bubblegum flavor, spearmint, peppermint, tangerine, triple berry and cinnamon. They come in these cool cans that we are planning on repurposing, possibly into pencil/pen/colored pencil caddies.... not sure just yet.

Anyway, if you go to Gleegum.com, you can find all kinds of nifty things to grab for your kiddos and stock up on some tiny sample packs of gum, a classic gumball machine or these neat reusable cans!

I don't know why I didn't know that, Gleegum, sold these do it yourself kits before that Twitter party. But, once The Gleeguy mentioned that they offer them, I had to go check it out! (By the way, if you are on Twitter and you communicate with brands, The Gleeguy will respond!) When a brand takes the time to have a conversation with us, reply to questions and comments, acknowledges your comments/concerns, shows up for a Twitter party and is happy to get to know us, that is the brand I am going to go after and find in stores or online, before others. I know they are busy, I understand they sometimes get swamped with requests and at times, I'm sure it is stressful and hard to get back to every single person who tries to get their attention, so, the fact that they care, proves to me, they are a good company.

Ok, so, onto these exciting DIY kits!!

We voted and we like all 3 the same, so, I can't specify which one is the best, so, just grab all 3 :D Make sure you check their site for a special deal when you do buy all 3 kits!

The, Make Your Own Chocolate Kit comes with a couple cocoa beans for you to try! You also get a little instruction booklet that includes, The Story Of Chocolate. (Another reason I love DIY so much. They are always learning and they don't even know it!) With the chocolate kit, you will have enough to make 8 oz of chocolate. Oh and guess what else?? It's all natural, of course!

The next kit we adore, is the Make Your Own Gummies Kit. (Yep, all natural!) This was a bit messier, but only because I had 3 kids attempting to make their own molds with the included molding starch. A brilliant addition, however, I quickly found plastic molds that we had lying around and they worked perfectly! We made butterflies, hearts, Lego minifigures and a few animals, flowers and bugs. Of course, this is another learning adventure and it is easy enough for your kids to help. (You should be present of course, as with any DIY. You will need to heat up some ingredients and seaweed.) Yes, seaweed! Much healthier then what commercial gummies are made with!

Here is the seaweed coming out of the microwave.

Here is our big mess lol. This was just the beginning. So, I quickly decided to use premade molds ;)

Here are some of our pretty gummy candies!
We did dip some into the included sour mix for an extra kick. Our 11 year old coated all of his with sour mix, of course ;)

The Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit makes about 50 pieces of scrumptious bubble gum. (Plenty to share between a few kids!) This kit is also very easy for little ones to help with and you get to learn about the story of chicle! Everything you will need is included in this kit, except for the microwave. (Or stovetop, whichever you prefer.) That is one big bonus with all of the Glee Gum's Food For Thought products... everything you need is inside the box!

You just have to check out their product lineup! Bubblegum, Bubblegum machines, DIY kits, sugar free gum, gum pops, and don't forget to grab some penny gum with your order! My kiddos love the little 2 piece sample boxes we get with our order. (You pay just 8 cents for 8 packs!) These are perfect for when you're running errands and I know my kids love tiny things, lol so, tiny packs of gum are sought after here.

Monday, April 6, 2015

** I received Hylands products in return for sharing and posting about Hylands #MadeToMatter giveaway.**

What is the Made To Matter Giveaway?
Hyland's is one of the industry's leading natural, organic and sustainable brands that Target picked for their, "Made To Matter Handpicked By Target" product collection.

Thanks to Target and all of the other fabulous brands that were also handpicked by Target, Hyland's decided to partner up with them to create this super sweet giveaway for us!!

You can win 1 of 3 enormous prize packages, each worth $400!!
What are the prizes, you ask? Well, naturally, the winner will be receiving Hyland's products but besides that, check out what some of the other prizes are!!

I have been a longtime bff with Hyland's, ever since our first baby was born, all the way back in 1992. We still use their products on a regular basis, for everybody in our house. I can't ever say enough kind words about Hyland's or recommend their products enough!

SUJA was another very cool brand that I had the opportunity to meet when we went to, Orlando, Florida for Mom's Meet's Wow Summit, last year. I absolutely, positively, love their juices, smoothies and teas! (Oh, not only do they have some of the best tasting smoothies and juices you will ever try, they are certified organic and Non GMO!)

Happy Family is a leading, premium, organic brand, created and managed by none other then, moms! They offer a variety of products for your entire family.

Paddy's Bathroom has a fun line of bath and body products for kids. (Organic and natural, yes, of course!) You will probably have a hard time, not using your little ones' Paddy's Bathroom products for yourself!

I have had plenty of Justin's products in monthly subscription boxes, samples, even had to run for some of their dark chocolate peanut butter cups a few times and I will always be eating these little gems of heaven!

Justin's products are all natural and yeah, they also make a swell line of nut butters too! Yummmmm!!

SheaMoisture is another generous brand who will be giving 3 very lucky people, a full line of their certified organic shea products! Yes, I have a fancy for this brand, I actually use their baby line for myself. I even make a lot of my own beauty and bath products but there are just some things I can't let go of and this addiction is one of them! They smell delightful!!

Don't forget to share with your friends and family. (Who knows? Maybe if somebody you know, wins, they might share one or more of this ginormous prize package with you!)

Enter and share your little hearts away! Everybody will thank you and love you to pieces for it! This is a totally rad collection of some of the best from the best and I know if I won, it would feel like Christmas morning! (and I would even have to hug and squeeze the delivery man when he drops the prize package off.)

That's right, there are rules and such, just like with everything, so, if you want to read the mumbo jumbo, click here!